Let's Talk About... Society's Expectations.

Alright, alright, I know, I've been writing about some pretty deep stuff, but, this is one of the topics that has become most talked about with teenagers and young adults. And I'm going to open a can of worms and get the conversation rolling.

We as a generation have become body, life and self obsessed.

We've become obsessed with society's expectations.

Society expectations have been placed upon everyone; if you don't look a certain way, act a certain way or have certain materialistic things, you're not accepted into society.

Well you wanna know what I think?

Society is overrated. Society is an arsehole (or asshole for my American friends).

Society expects us all to conform and follow the same path in life. Well, news flash, I'm not about that life.

If you're unsure of what I'm talking about, here's some examples:

1. Go to school and get good grades.

2. Go to university and figure out a career path.

3. Get married and stay that way even if it turns to shit.

4. Have kids and let them repeat the cycle.

Obviously, however, when we think about social expectations, the first thing that comes to mind is body image.

I hate the stigma of what society has placed upon all of us of the way we have to look. Although, I have to admit it, some days I still think about trying to 'fit in' and have slim arms, legs and a toned stomach. That's the only way I can be accepted.

Obviously, however, I know I'm not perfect. I'm completely okay with it too.

But, all of us aim to be in some way.

If I'm being honest, I didn't think that males actually had any insecurities about anything with their body and thought it was only woman, but, I learned from gaining friends that were males that that's not always the case. They do, and it shocked me. Some become gym and protein shake obsessed, trying to gain muscle and look more toned because they believe that's what women want and what the rest of society wants.

It seems unheard of, but it's true. Of course, some guys enjoy it and want to do it for themselves, but sometimes it isn't the case.

Social media and magazines are contributors to influencing our thoughts and opinions on ourselves and the way we look, act and feel. They make us question our worth by the size number on our jeans.

It's unfair.

But, you know the one thing that really grinds my gears about this whole thing? We know deep down we all can't look the same, but we still aim to do so.

If humanity looked the same, there would be no originality and it would be bloody boring if you ask me.

Personally, I know I'm chunky but funky and I'm proud.

If you don't like it? Sod off.

But of course the question remains; what is the perfect body? Is there such thing as the perfect body?

Watch the video below for girls:

Watch the video below for boys:

Did you see what I was getting at?

If you didn't click I'll help you out. In different cultures and countries, there are different body types and what there perception of beauty is. Society is different everywhere and that's fact.

So, what do I believe the perfect body is?

Whatever makes you happy.

If you're confident and happy the way you are, you keep doing you! But, there's also nothing wrong if you want to change the skin that you're in. If it makes you feel good, work out and get active.

My only advice is that if you don't feel happy or don't feel confident. Change it!

Only you have the power to change you, no one else can do it for you, please remember that. But I have one little bit of advice; don't change for anyone else, change for you.

P.S if you're that person basing your relationship off of looks? Honey, check yourself.

But, side tracking away from the looks side of things, let's talk about life in general.

As a teenager, we are expected to go to university after finishing 13 years of schooling to continue on with more schooling. Along with teachers and parents expecting us at the age of 16 to figure out what we are going to be doing for the rest of our lives, it's unrealistic and frustrating.

I felt the pressures, and it caused me to fail in my exams. Pressures from everyone around me caused me to crash and burn.

I felt like I had failed because I didn't get accepted into university.

But, almost a year later and a year older, do you know what I say to society now?

I quit. I'm out.

So what if you don't get accepted into university? It isn't the end of the world.

I know this due to having a close friend of mine having the opportunity to attend a Performing Arts school, a dream I could only ever imagine of having. But, instead, he stayed in his home town with his girlfriend, who is now his wife. He now also works for radio and is building a house with his wife.

This has proved to me many things that I can now take with me through life. That with hard work and determination, you can do anything. Do whatever makes you happy!

If you're a woman and want to become a tradesman or play professional football, go and do it!

If you're a male and want to do musical theatre or be a model, do it!

Society's expectations are overrated and unrealistic. No one in themselves or their life is perfect, that's just boring.

So, for anyone who is going through school or is trying to figure out what they're doing with their life, you've got time. I can say personally that I'm in a good place in my life, and it hasn't been that way for 8 years, and it feels like a sigh of relief. I have two jobs and I'm mentally feeling better in myself.

I enjoy writing blog posts and helping others, I've always enjoyed doing that. Maybe the next step for me is to start creating YouTube videos, I don't know. But, I'm excited not having my future planned out step by step.

My plan for my life is to challenge the norm, take chances and risk, make a life for myself and feel happy.

Happiness is priceless and you have a right to feel it.

Thank you for reading! Make sure to click the heart button in the bottom right hand corner! It takes two seconds! Subscribe to get emails for when I update! Next post will hopefully be an interview with some social media influences. Get ready!

#school #life #lifestyle #highschool #bodyimage #society #advice #letstalkabout #beauty #love